Ortho-K

We pride ourselves in our expertise of myopia control as we have been offering it for almost 2 decades. Orthokeratology was our first myopia intervention in practice.

Apart from having a vast database of patients young and older on Ortho-K. Our experience is truly first hand with prescribing it for our own children.

With both parents being significantly short- sighted, it was inevitable our children would be too.

We can safely say, 10 years after fitting my daughter with Ortho-k her myopia has not increased and the impact on her sports filled lifestyle has been beyond successful!

Why is ortho-k not popular or Why don’t more people use ortho-k?

Orthokeratology also abbreviated to ortho-K is a form of myopia control using hard contact lenses.

It isn’t widely available as it is a very specialized form of vision correction and can only be supplied by accredited Optometrists. It also involves the use of specialist equipment such as a corneal topographer. Moreover, a lot of patients in the UK aren’t aware it exists.

Are ortho k lenses comfortable?

Ortho-K involves sleeping in rigid gas permeable contact lenses also known as RGPs overnight. They are from the family of hard contact lenses thus there is some discomfort in the initial days. We advise on initial insertion keep the gaze lowered to make it more tolerable. When the eyes are shut you don’t feel them much and the sensitivity decreases the more you wear them. Most of our patients are relieved of any discomfort within literally days.

Are ortho k lenses safe?

Ortho-K lenses are considered very safe. They carry the same risk of infection as wearing most other types of contact lenses. On our contact lens plan you get a free replacement set of contact lenses every 6 months thus decreasing the risk of infection etc. Moreover the plan includes the necessary cleaning and storing solutions required to keep the contact lens clean and bacteria free! Thus minimising the risk of complications Furthermore, when on the Ortho-K you are monitored closely by our optometrists thus if there are any issues they are quickly dealt with by the practitioner.

Are ortho k lenses soft or hard?

Ortho-K lenses are from the family of hard contact lenses. They are rigid gas permeable contact lenses and also known as RGPs. RGPs are smaller in size than soft contact lenses and are fitted within the visible iris diameter. The measurements are taken using the corneal topographer we have in practice.

Can I wear Ortho K during the day?

Ortho-K contact lenses are designed to be worn overnight. They are not meant to be worn during the daytime because it works for on the principle of corneal moulding using lid pressure. Once fully corrected the vision will be clear during the day eliminating the need to wear any glasses or contact lenses during the daytime.

Can ortho k correct astigmatism?

Ortho-K can correct astigmatism up to a certain amount, usually up to 2.00-2.50 dioptres of astigmatism. However the correction does depend on the full prescription. I.e the spherical and cylindrical power. During the initial consultation scans will be taken and the optometrist will be able to advise whether you are a suitable candidate.

Can ortho-k cure myopia permanently?

Ortho-K provides myopia correction on 2 folds. It will correct the short-sightedness during the daytime by moulding the corneal overnight,

It will also halt the myopia from increasing rapidly, thus will encourage the myopia to plateau and stop it from increasing in power.

If you cease wearing Ortho-K for a prolonged period the myopia will revert back to it’s original state

Can ortho-k reverse myopia?

Ortho-K cannot reverse myopia per se. It can correct it during the daytime thus enabling you to achieve good vision during the day without need glasses or contact lenses.

If you want to be free from glasses and lenses on the day so you can swim, play sports etc without the hassle then definitely!

How long does an ortho-k lenses last?

Orthokeratology uses RGP contact lenses. These last much longer than the well-known soft contact lenses. We provide you with a new pair of contact lenses every 6 months. We will continuously use the topographer to take corneal scans and if new adjusted contact lenses are needed these will be provided to you at no extra cost whilst you are on the plan.

What are the disadvantages of ortho-k lenses?

You have to wear the contact lenses every night religiously in order to maintain good, clear vision during the daytime. In the initial days it may take 2-3 weeks to attain the desired end point.

Finally, Orthokeratology is not offered by general hight street Optometrist. Only specialist practises can provide this and thus you may need to travel to an opticians that offers it.

Does overnight vision correction work?

Overnight correction formally known as Orthokeratology provides myopia correction. It will correct the short-sightedness during the daytime by moulding the corneal overnight. It can correct powers roughly up to -5.50 dioptres of spherical power and -2.50 cylindrical power. At the initial consultation the optometrist will go through eligibility criterion.

What are corrective eye lenses overnight?

Corrective night lenses also known as Orthokeratology uses hard lenses that are worn over night to correct a prescription. It moulds the cornea by flattening the dome shaped cornea and thus correcting the short-sighted prescription. This giving the patient the freedom of not having to wear glasses or contact lenses during the day. Thus the ideal solution for swimmers, sportsmen and any other patients who require good vision without using contact lenses and spectacles.

Do night lenses work?

The overnight contact lenses are a great form vision of vision correction available to all ages. They achieve remarkably successful results if worn and fitted correctly. The success of these contact lenses will be monitored by regular examinations by the optometrist as well as frequent corneal scans. The myopia control element will also be monitored at these regular examinations.